Top Chongqing Attractions | 29 Chongqing Things to Do 2025

No trip to Chongqing is complete without a visit to Hongya Cave. Hongya Cave, an 11-story stilt wooden building complex, transforms into a spectacle when at night it’s illuminated by neon lights. The scene is so enchanting that it transports tourists into the vivid magical world described in "Spirited Away" (a famous animated film directed by Hoya Miyazaki). It’s built against a steep cliff facing the Jiangling River. With a history of over 2,300 years, it greatly embodies the traditional Ba-Yu architectural style .

Recommended Visiting Time: 0.5-1 hour; after 19:00
Location: No. 88, Binjiang Road, Yuzhong District; in the city center

Liziba Station is an overhead monorail station where Monorail Line 2 trains pass through a residential building. It exemplifies the intricated transportation network of Chongqing as a mountain city and now is a popular internet check-in spot to snap brag-worthy photos of the monorail transiting, seemingly "bitten" by the building, or by using your mouth or hands in a dislocation way with fun, etc.

Recommended Visiting Time: 0.5 hour; 6:30-18:00 (avoiding rush hours)
Location: No. 62, Lizibazheng Street, Yuzhong District; 6 km from the city center

Kuixing Building is noted for its significant elevation compared with nearby structures. As you stroll across the plaza atop it onto the two bridges linking it to the office building next to it, you’ll be awe-inspired to find yourself standing at the equivalent height of the 22nd floor with driveways and pedestrian streets below. This astonishing display exemplifies Chongqing's reputation as the 8D Magic City, showcasing its unique and captivating urban landscape.

Recommended Visiting Time: 20 minutes; in the daytime
Location: No. 17, Datang Square, Yuzhong District; in the city center

Laojun Cave boasts an array of temples and cliff carvings of artistic merit and a rich Taoist history and culture. It was originally built as a Buddhist temple in the Tang Dynasty and then converted into a Taoist temple in the Ming Dynasty. The West Gate, with a history spanning over 400 years, is an exquisite masterpiece of architectural design and stands magnificently. Laojun Cave is also an excellent place to view Chongqing City, where ancient buildings stand in stark contrast to modern skyscrapers.

Recommended Visiting Time: 2 hours; 8:00-17:00
Location: No. 29, Laojun Slope, Nanan District; 6.5 km from the city center

Longmenhao Old Street, built along mountains, boasts photo spots at varying heights, perfect for capturing changing but enthralling scenes of the 8D mountainous Chongqing. Facing the Yangtze River, it contains over 200 buildings overlapping together, including old sites with traditional Ba-Yu features, former American and Italian embassy offices and residences, and more. Besides, as one of the best-preserved old streets, it contrasts strikingly with modern architecture nearby like the Dongshuimen Bridge and skyscrapers across the river.

Recommended Visiting Time: 1.5-2 hours; 9:00-22:00
Location: No. 105, Nanbin Road, Nanan District; 7 km from the city center

Eling Park, nestled atop a hill in the central Yuzhong District, offers beautiful views from the 7-story Kanshenglou. It was originally constructed at the end of the Qing Dynasty in 1909 and covers an area of 66,254 square meters. With a Suzhou Garden style, Eling Park features pavilions, platforms, towering structures, winding pathways, ponds, bridges, and a diverse array of hundreds of plant species, making it an inviting place for leisure.

Recommended Visiting Time: 1 hour-2 hours; 6:00-22:00
Location: No. 176, Elingzheng Street, Yuzhong District; 6 km from the city center

The Three Gorges Museum is a comprehensive museum themed on the history and culture of Chongqing and the Three Gorges area, including the ancient Ba-Yu culture, Chongqing development, and the Three Gorges Dam. With over 170,000 relics and artifacts and four major exhibition halls, it is among the largest in southwest China. It is also a cool place to admire Chongqing People’s Assembly Hall, which is reputed as the “Little Temple of Heaven” and the Top 10 Classic Asian Architecture of the 20th century.

Recommended Visiting Time: 2-3 hours; except for Monday
Location: No. 236, Renmin Road, Yuzhong District; 5 km from the city center

The WFC Observation Deck in the city center is the best place to have an unobstructed view of the whole city. Situated on floors 73 - 75 of WFC at altitudes of about 590m, it's China's highest open-air platform, which earns the name “Summit of Chongqing”. You can overlook Yuzhong, Jiangbei and Nanan districts and landscapes like the convergence of two rivers, the Grand Theater, Raffles City Chongqing, etc. At nighttime, you’ll be enveloped by a more vivid and dynamic contemporary cityscape, which is more stunning.

Recommended Visiting Time: 1 hour; daytime visit 9:30-18:00; night view after 20:00
Location: No. 188, Minzu Road, Yuzhong District; in the city center

At an elevation of 300-320m, the Nanshan Tree Viewing Platform delivers an intriguing view of the whole sprawling Yuzhong District, embraced by the tranquil expanse of the Yangtze River. The scenery becomes more sensational after 20:00 as the city lights up. You can see skyscrapers of varying sizes, majestic bridges, and serenely gliding ships along the Yangtze River, all are illuminated by vibrant lights and reflected on the water. Thus, it’s a perennial favorite among photographers. The entire spot comprises a front outdoor platform and a six-story rear tower, and you’re sure to find your ideal elevation for taking photos here.

Recommended Visiting Time: 0.5-1 hour; daytime visit 9:00-18:00; night view 20:00-22:30
Location: South Mountain, Nanan District; 6 km from the city center

Ciqikou Ancient Town, a well-preserved ancient town dating back to the late Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), is known as “Little Chongqing”. Sitting on a hill overlooking the Jialing River, it has narrow lanes and alleys lined with numerous well-restored wooden buildings. You can wander through the streets to explore all sorts of handicrafts including Shu embroidery, weaving, comb making, leaf painting, etc., and glut yourself with famous snacks such as Salt Peanuts, Chen Fried Dough Twist... or find a seat at traditional teahouses to take a sip of tea leisurely.

Recommended Visiting Time: 2 hours; 9:00-22:00
Location: No. 1, Cinan Street, Shapingba District; 18 km from the city center

Chongqing Zoo has over 20 giant pandas and around 20 red pandas, making it one of the zoos with the most pandas in China. You’ll be treated to a delightful experience when watching these adorable creatures engage in their daily activities, from slumbering lazily to munching on bamboo and climbing trees. It also houses 260 other species of animals, including monkeys, tigers, fish, birds, etc. If you’re an animal lover or planning a family trip, no missing Chongqing Zoo.

Recommended Visiting Time: 2 hours; 9:00-10:30 in Summer, 9:00-17:00 in other seasons
Location: No.1, Xijiao Road, Jiulongpo District; 15 km from the city center

Nanbin Road invites visitors to take a delightful stroll alongside the Yangtze River while viewing iconic Raffles City Chongqing and other towering skyscrapers across them. The riverside area around Changjiahui Shopping Park is best for sightseeing the majestic convergence of these two rivers, which during special times is more gorgeous by the contrast of the yellow Yangtze and the Jialing River which is serenely blue resembling a local hotpot with two distinct flavors. Visitors can also enjoy a drink at one of the charming bars lining Nanbin Road.

Recommended Visiting Time: 1 hour-2 hours; daytime visit 9:00-18:00; night view after 20:00
Location: Nanbin Road, Nanan District; 5 km from the city center

Raffles City Chongqing, on the Chaotianmen Delta, is a key landmark for travelers. It’s shaped like a large sail ready to set sail, with 2 northern towers rising to 350m and the southern 6 reaching 250m. Atop the 4 middle towers lies a 300m-long crystal horizontal skybridge, which offers 270-degree views of the Yangtze and the Jialing rivers and Chongqing's diverse skyline. Raffles City Chongqing is also an integrated urban hub with a huge shopping mall, high-end luxury hotels, etc. If you’re planning a trip to Chongqing, no missing taking a stroll here and snapping photos with it.

Recommended Visiting Time: 1 hour; 10:00-22:00
Location: No.8, Jiesheng Street, Yuzhong District; in the city center

Luohan Temple, with a compact yet solemn and magnificent layout, forms a striking contrast with the modern high-rises that surround it, making it a perfect destination for architecture enthusiasts. Built about 1,000 years ago, the temple has a lengthy entrance adorned with rock carvings, a hall of painted terracotta arhat sculptures, and a hall housing a large gold Buddha statue. Thus, it’s reputed as one of the most important Buddhist temples in China.

Recommended Visiting Time: 1 hour; 7:00-17:30
Location: No. 7, Luohansi Street, Yuzhong District; in the city center

The Museum was built to commemorate American Joseph W. Stilwell, who led Allied Forces in China and US forces in World War II. As the former residence of General Stilwell, it accommodates more than 200 vintage photos and over 100 old items such as General Stilwell's badges of honor, military uniform, helmets, canteens, and other personal belongings on display. It offers compelling evidence of WWII history and serves as a constant reminder of the importance of cherishing peace.

Recommended Visiting Time: 1-2 hours; except for Monday
Location: No. 63, Jialingxin Road, Yuzhong District; 8 km from the city center

Huguang Guild Hall is a cluster of traditional Siheyuan (quadrangle courtyards) with yellow exterior walls, black tiles, and exquisitely embossed doors and windows. Near the modern grand Dongshuimen Bridge, the mix of old and new is quite a contrast. As South China's largest ancient guild hall group from the 1759 Huguang Repopulation, it preserves high architectural, cultural, and artistic value. Today, it’s a prime spot for admiring ancient architecture, exploring history, enjoying opera shows and taking awesome photos.

Recommended Visiting Time: 1.5-2 hours; 9:00-18:00
Location: No. 1, Changbin Road, Yuzhong District; in the city center

Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street is named after the People's Liberation Monument, the landmark of Chongqing to celebrate the liberation of the city from seventy years of colonial rule. It is one of the busiest parts of downtown Chongqing and there are three main roads full of stores and shops, which is absolutely a paradise for shopaholics. Visitors can also visit Bayi Snack Street to feast on local dishes such as Hot and Sour Rice Noodles, Fried Dough Twist, etc.

Recommended Visiting Time: 1 hour; before 22:00
Location: No. 177, Minzu Road, Yuzhong District; in the city center

The Yangtze River Cableway stretches 1,166m between the Yuzhong District and Nanan District, crossing the Yangtze River in the air. You can travel one-way or round-trip on this cableway, where you'll be greeted by breathtaking views of the river, bridges, and buildings from an elevated point. After 20:00, when the skyscrapers and the nearby bridge are illuminated, the scenery becomes even more spectacular. However, please note that there will be long queues during weekends and holidays.

Recommended Visiting Time: 4 minutes (queue for 0.5 hour-2 hours); 08:00-22:00
Location: Yuzhong District & Nanan District; in the city center

1. Wulong Karst Geological Park - Must-see Natural Wonder

Wulong Karst, part of South China Karst, boasts spectacular karst landscapes. Highlights include Three Natural Bridges, Longshuixia Gap, and Furong Cave.

Three Natural Bridges feature breathtaking geological formations where nature sculpted three magnificent 223-281m-high spans of rock with diverse shapes. It's also the filming site of Transformers IV and Zhang Yimou's Curse of the Golden Flower. In Longshuixia Gap, its cliffs plunge 200-500m deep into the abyss below. Anyone who stands at the edge will have a sense of vertigo and awe. Furong Cave is another noted site that showcases 1.2-million-year-old various types of stalactites in diverse shapes and is regarded as one of the world's largest limestone caves.

Recommended Visiting Time: 1-2 days; 8:00-17:00
Location: 190km (3 hours by car) from Chongqing downtown

Dazu Rock Carvings is reputed as the last monument in the annals of world grotto art. Remarkable for aesthetic quality, diverse secular and religious themes, and insights into daily life, it’s listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It provides outstanding evidence of the harmonious synthesis of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism, which is rarely seen in other grottoes. Dazu has a history of over 1,300 years, encompassing 75 protected sites with around 50,000 statues and over 100,000 Chinese characters. Some scenes of the hot game Black Myth: Wukong were also filmed here.

Recommended Visiting Time: 5-6 hours; 9:00-18:00
Location: 100km (1.5 hours by car) from Chongqing downtown

Jinfo Mountain is a South China Karst World Heritage Site in Nanchuan District, featuring primitive nature, rare stones, mystical caves, cliffs, and historic temples. When the afterglow falls on the mountain, it looks like a golden Buddha, hence its name "Golden Buddha (Jinfo) Mountain". Notable spots include Azure Stream Valley, Sun-Toward Golden Turtle Trail, Ancient Wild Azalea Park, Chinese Medicine Pool, etc.

Recommended Visiting Time: 1 day; 9:00-17:00
Location: 120 km (2.5 hours by car) from Chongqing downtown

Among the 193km-long Three Gorges - the Yangtze River's most beautiful part, the first two - Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge, are in Chongqing. Qutang Gorge is the shortest but most spectacular while Wu Gorge is the most beautiful. Visitors can witness cliffs, towering mountains adorned with lush vegetation, historical relics, and jade ribbon-like water winding its way through the valley with the reflection of the sky and the surrounding landscape.

Recommended Visiting Time: 4-5 days by Yangtze River Cruise

White Emperor City is renowned for the historical tale of Liu Bei (刘备) entrusting his son to Zhuge Liang (诸葛亮) in the Three Kingdoms Period. It showcases a wealth of cultural and historical relics, inviting visitors to explore its ancient streets, temples, forts, etc. while also enjoying stunning views, especially at Kui Gate, the entrance to Qutang Gorge, which is famously depicted on the CNY 10 note.

Recommended Visiting Time: 2-3 hours

At the south of Wu Gorge, Shennv Stream is a picturesque waterway renowned for its tranquility and natural beauty. The stream flows gracefully through lush greenery, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Tourists can view narrow gorges, steep mountains, and coffins hanging high on the cliffside while hearing some local histories amidst the primitive nature's embrace.

Recommended Visiting Time: 2 hours

Known as the peak of Three Gorges, Three Gorges Summit offers an unparalleled panorama of Qutang Gorges in Three Gorges, the most majestic stretch of the Yangtze River. Ascending the summit, travelers will be greeted by a stunning tableau of countless mountains, cliffs, dense plants, a jade-like river, etc. The ambiance of this breathtaking scenery transforms with each passing season, from the delicate beauty of spring's blossoms to the fiery passion of autumn's foliage.

Recommended Visiting Time: 0.5-1 day

Fengdu Ghost City with a history dating back over 2,000 years ago, embodies the rich Chinese culture of “ghosts” and the afterlife and is full of ancient temples, sculptures, and folklore. Visitors can explore its mystical aura and gain insight into Chinese beliefs about life and death. It has stood as one of the most sought-after attractions for tourists on the Yangtze River Cruise for a long time.

Recommended Visiting Time: 2-3 hours

Shibaozhai Pagoda is a vermilion 12-story pagoda that leans against the side of a cliff face, rising almost 56m high. Dating back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), it' s the existing largest wooden architecture with a crossing bracket type, without using any single nail in the construction. Now it serves as a tourism resort that combines awe-inspiring engineering with mountain and water beauty. Thus, Shibaozhai has been praised as the “Bright Pearl on the Yangtze River”, one of the “Top 7 Wonders in China” and the “World 8 Strange Constructions” by the US Discovery Channel.

Recommended Visiting Time: 2 hours

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Our Chongqing tour packages include expert guides, experienced drivers with comfortable private vehicles, carefully selected hotels, and all necessary attraction tickets. Each tour can be fully customized based on your group size, travel dates, fitness level, interests, budget, and any special requirements you may have. Our goal is to ensure you have an unforgettable experience in Chongqing. Browse our tours or contact us directly for assistance or to create a personalized itinerary!